Question

Write the chemical formula of Plaster of Paris(POP) and its advantages also.

Answer 1

Hint: The Plaster of Paris (POP) contains calcium, sulfur, hydrogen and oxygen as their elements and it also contains some amount of water in it.

Complete step by step answer:
-The chemical name of Plaster of Paris is Calcium sulfate hemihydrate. This is because a half-molecule of water is attached to the calcium sulfate molecule.
-So, the chemical formula of the Plaster of Paris will be ${CaSO}_4{.1/2H}_{2}O$
-The chemical reaction of Plaster of Paris with water can be represented as;
${CaSO}_4{.1/2H}_{2}O{+3/2H}_2{O\to CaSO}_4{.2H}_{2}O$
On heating gypsum at $373K$, it loses water molecules and form Plaster of Paris

-ADVANTAGES OF PLASTER OF PARIS:
1.It is light in weight and more durable.
2.POP has low thermal conductivity.
3.It is not likely to cause cracking of surfaces.
4.POP is a very good fire resistant and that’s why it is a very good heat insulating material.
5.It has no appreciable action on paint and does not cause alkali attack.
6.It gives a decorative interior finish.
7.It is used as cast material for immobilization of fracture bones.
8.It can easily be moulded into any shape.
In short, it can be used in fireproofing, medical purpose, fine arts and in many other ways.

Note: The possibility to make a mistake is that as we know POP is useful in interior design but it is not that much good for exterior finish as it is slightly soluble in water.